“Avoid any action or word that fuels confrontation”

After the Marian prayer of the Angelus, the call to pray for peace in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel and the north of the Congo: “Negotiation is necessary.” The memory of the “Franciscan brothers”: “They honor the Church of Rome.” The Gospel Commentary: Jesus “makes us brave.”

Vatican City () – The first Angelus of the summer season was greeted this morning by a cloudy sky over Rome, despite the record heat of recent days. “Let us continue praying for peace.” This was the invitation repeated several times by Pope Francis in his speech after the papal blessing. “Especially in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel,” he added. Also remembering the Gaza Strip and the northern region of the Congo. He then made a strong appeal to the rulers: “We have to negotiate.” Indicating, as he had already done on numerous occasions, to follow the path of dialogue without hesitation.

“May the Holy Spirit illuminate the minds of the rulers, instill in them wisdom and a sense of responsibility, to avoid any action or word that fuels confrontation,” he continued. Reiterating the urgency of reaching a “peaceful solution to the conflicts” as soon as possible. Words shared while the Israeli bombs on Gaza do not stop – at least one hundred people have died in the last twenty-four hours, including children – and the risk of escalation due to the growing tensions with Lebanon is more topical than ever. “I look at the flag of Israel,” added Pope Francis, pointing to the cloth displayed in St. Peter’s Square by some people, as had also happened in recent weeks. Claiming that he had also seen her in the morning, he said: “It is a call for peace.” Also visible in St. Peter’s Square was the flag displayed by the “cyclists from Bollate (Milan, ed.) who came by bicycle”, to whom Bergoglio greeted. On a blue background, with the colors of the rainbow, the inscription “Peace for all.”

Next, a memory was addressed to Father Manuel Blanco Rodríguez, who died at the age of 85 on the night of Thursday, June 20 to Friday, June 21. “A Franciscan who lived in the Church of the Holy Forty Martyrs and Saint Paschal Baylon in Rome for 44 years,” explained the Pontiff. “He was superior, confessor, man of counsel. Remembering him, I would like to remember so many Franciscan brothers, confessors, preachers, who honored and honor the Church of Rome. Thank you to all of them.”

Before praying the Marian prayer, Pope Francis stopped at the Gospel of the day (Mk 4:35-41). “He introduces us to Jesus in the boat with the disciples, on Lake Tiberias. Suddenly a strong storm comes and the boat is in danger of sinking. Jesus, who was sleeping, wakes up, threatens the wind and everything returns to calm “, Explain. What is a danger to those who sail instills great fear in the disciples, even though they were experienced fishermen, while Jesus sleeps. “It seems that Jesus wants to test them,” Bergoglio said. “With his presence he calms them, encourages them, encourages them to have more faith and accompanies them beyond danger.” Why does Jesus behave like this? The Holy Father attempted to answer this question: “To strengthen the faith of the disciples and make them braver.

Having faced this trial with Him will help them in the future to face others, “even the cross and martyrdom, to bring the Gospel to all peoples.” Jesus does the same with all Christians, gathered around the Eucharist: “He invites us to go out into the deep, to transmit what we have heard and to share with everyone what we have received, in daily life, even when it is difficult.” “he continued. Jesus, therefore, does not eliminate difficulties from people’s lives, but rather helps them live them. “He makes us brave.” Thus, trusting in his “power”, which goes beyond human capabilities, it is possible to overcome uncertainties, hesitations, closed-mindedness and prejudices, “to tell everyone that the Kingdom of Heaven is present, it is here, and that with Jesus At our side we can make it grow together beyond all barriers. To conclude the commentary on the Word, an invocation: “May the Virgin Mary, who accepted the will of God with humility and courage, grant us, in difficult moments, the serenity of abandonment in Him.”